NFL Player News

Abdullah (shoulder) gained 16 yards on four carries and failed to haul in his lone target in Saturday's preseason game against the Ravens.

As expected, Abdullah started but played limited snaps in his first game action since last season, getting all of his touches during the first quarter. He did appear to have a 15-yard touchdown scamper on the first play of the second quarter, but it was called back due to a teammate's holding penalty. In addition to starting on offense, Abdullah may get some opportunities in the return game, though his role as the lead back could limit his special teams contributions to crucial situations. He resumed contact work in practice last week, and there's been no suggestion of any setback with his shoulder. Pass-catching specialist Theo Riddick and power back Zach Zenner round out the top three of the depth chart, with George Winn and Dwayne Washington competing for the final spot. While Riddick will undoubtedly be busy in the passing game, the extent of Zenner's involvement is unclear.

Carey had four carries for nine yards and caught one of his two pass targets for an additional 10 yards Saturday against the Chiefs.

Carey entered the contest to start the second half, playing one series with much of the first-string offense on the field. He did play before Jordan Howard, so it would appear that he's currently the first in line to see early-down work if Jeremy Langford struggles or misses time.

Rodgers had one carry for one yard Saturday against the Chiefs.

Rodgers saw brief work with the first-team offense after Jeremy Langford left the contest in the second quarter. For now, he still projects to see regular season work to spell Langford on occasion, with much of that duty being on passing downs.

Draughn's teammate Carlos Hyde suffered a concussion in the first half of Friday's preseason loss to Green Bay, CSN Bay Area reports.

Draughn actually missed the game with a minor back/rib injury, despite going through warmups in uniform, Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee reports. Even after missing the past two preseason games, Draughn seems to have a strong hold on the No. 2 running back job, as Mike Davis and DuJuan Harris have failed to impress. Draughn may also replace Hyde on passing downs, which means he could have a three-down role if Hyde were to miss time with an injury. For what it's worth, Hyde doesn't have any confirmed concussions on his NFL track record.

Martin (hamstring) gained 18 yards on four carries in Friday's preseason game against the Browns.

Martin proved his health by making a brief appearance, and then took a backseat to the Jameis Winston-led passing game. The roles haven't changed since last season, with Martin dominating the rushing workload while Charles Sims handles passing downs.

Gaskins was released by the 49ers on Saturday, CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reports.

Even with Carlos Hyde (concussion) now injured, Gaskins didn't have a shot to stick on the final roster. Mike Davis, DuJuan Harris and Kelvin Taylor are competing for either one or two roster spots behind Hyde and Shaun Draughn (back).

Abdullah (shoulder) is participating in warmups for Saturday's preseason game against the Ravens, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Though it hasn't been confirmed, Abdullah will likely make his first appearance of the preseason, presumably getting the start at running back. He's unlikely to get as much playing time as the other starters, but even a brief appearance would provide re-assurance as to his Week 1 availability. Interestingly enough, Abdullah was fielding kicks as part of his pregame routine, suggesting he still has a role in the return game even as he's poised to take over as the lead running back.

Williams (concussion) will not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Giants.

Even if he were healthy, Williams would face long odds to make the final roster. Matt Forte, Bilal Powell and Khiry Robinson are all locks, and Antone Smith was recently signed to compete for the No. 4 job.

Hightower gained 27 yards on eight carries and eight yards on one reception in Friday's preseason loss to the Steelers.

Hightower was the fourth Saints running back to get a touch, as the team's early game plan included a bunch of short passes to C.J. Spiller and Travaris Cadet. No matter, Hightower is expected to serve as Mark Ingram's top backup, though the role probably won't include work on passing downs, which was part of his appeal late last season. In the event of an Ingram injury, both Hightower and Spiller would likely get more work.

Toussaint gained eight yards on six carries and 18 yards on two catches (two targets) in Friday's preseason game against the Saints.

Toussaint didn't get any touches until the fourth quarter, after Daryl Richardson dominated the third-quarter workload. Richardson failed to pull away in the battle for the No. 3 running back job, gaining just 20 yards on nine carries and four yards on one reception. It's still unclear which player will serve as the top backup to DeAngelo Williams while Le'Veon Bell serves a three-game suspension to start the season. Bell's impending absence does mean that both Toussaint and Richardson could make the final roster.